The Top 5 things to do this weekend

Published: Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 1:15 a.m. CST

Go fish

The Whiteside County Sheriff's Office and Mounted Patrol and the Coloma Park District are putting on free fishing derbies Saturday.

The sheriff's derby runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Rockwood State Park in Morrison for kids 15 and younger. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Anglers must be accompanied by an adult; prizes will be awarded. Call 815-772-4044, ext. 209, for more information.

The Coloma Park District/Rock Falls Optimist Club derby is for ages 14 and younger. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the derby runs from about 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Centennial Park. Participants must bring their own gear; prizes will be awarded and hot dogs and pop will be served.

Call 815-625-0272 for more information.

Taste of Fiesta Fun Fest

STERLING – The Taste of Fiesta Fun Fest will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Grandon Civic Center.

Local and regional bands will play Mexican music. At noon, the Air National Guard will present colors, Sterling and Rock Falls mayors will speak, the Mexican flag will be presented, and the American and Mexican national anthems will be played.

There will be a dunk tank, balloon animals, games, raffles and art activities, and information about area social organizations such as the YMCA, the Sinnissippi YWCA, Kiwanis and Boy and Girl Scouts will be available.

Call 815-625-2400 for more information.

Art, crafts in P-town

PROPHETSTOWN – The annual Arts on the Square fine arts and craft show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Eclipse Square.

More than 30 artists and crafters will be offering their works, and there also will be a cupcake cafe, a food tent, gourmet coffee and music by jazz pianist Diane Holtz Roman.

Admission is free. Call 815-537-5139 for more information.

Grand Detour arts fest

GRAND DETOUR – Artists from across the Midwest will gather for the 65th annual Grand Detour Arts Festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the John Deere Historic Site.

Paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, pottery and wood and metal arts will be on display and for sale. There also will be an exhibit of art by area schoolchildren. Food will be sold and musicians will perform.

Admission is $3 for those 12 and older, or free for those who bring a canned item for the Dixon Community Food Pantry, and includes admission to the historic site exhibits and blacksmith demonstrations.

Call 815-652-8663 for more information.

Artsplosion times two

MOUNT MORRIS – The Performing Arts Guild presents "Artsplosion," a diverse artistic event for all ages, in two shows at Pinecrest Grove Theater.